White squirrel figurines, paintings, clothing and other Western Kentucky University merchandise is now officially available for purchase with the grand opening of WKU’s Topper Corner on Thursday. 

WKU’s Topper Corner is located downtown in Stadium Park Plaza next to Starbucks on East Eighth Avenue. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Gary Meszaros, WKU’s assistant vice president of business and auxiliary, thanked WKU President Gary Ransdell for asking him to take on the project nearly two years ago. 

“We just got a small start right now,” Meszaros said, adding the plan is to also sell student artwork. “Anything the university produces we’re (going to) try to have here on the walls … sculptures, ceramics, maybe even wine and cheese someday from the farm. We got a lot of potential here to keep improving.” 

Meszaros also thanked businessman Jerry Katzoff for helping open the Starbucks and store manager Rebecca Elder, who previously ran a boutique in Houston. Meszaros, who said he didn’t have much experience opening boutiques, especially appreciated Elder’s experience.

“Running a boutique is very different,” he said, referring to his experience with textbook stores. 

Meszaros also hopes new campus busing to East Eighth Avenue will help drive student traffic to Topper Corner, Starbucks and other downtown businesses. 

“It’s a big boost for all the merchants downtown,” Meszaros said after the ribbon cutting ceremony. “They’ve been asking for it for years.” 

During the ceremony, Ransdell encouraged attendees to find interesting items for the store. 

“We’re looking to build the inventory here of things that are unique and different and something that you’re not likely to find anywhere else,” he said. “We want this to be a part of what makes downtown Bowling Green a destination place.” 

— Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.